About Us

Matt McKinney, Winemaker

Matt began his winemaking career in 2012, nearly three years after planting the first vineyard on the family property in 2010. Now four years into his craft he has begun developing a style of his own. A style he says is a delicate balance between new world & old world winemaking.

His passion for wine began when his two best friends from childhood started a boutique wine distribution company in 2008, Central Cal Wines. Also his travels abroad, living in Greece and Italy for pro-volleyball, opened his mind and senses to the vast, complex, and heart-warming world of wine.

He credits great winemakers like Tyler Thomas of Dierberg/StarLane Winery, John Dragonette & Brandon Sparks Gillis of Dragonette Cellars, and Bion Rice of Sunstone Winery for teaching him to go beyond average in the cellar and life, and follow in their footsteps.

Harry McKinney, Vineyard Manager

Following the advise of many of the Santa Ynez Valley's top vineyard managers, together Harry and Matt have established a premium organic vineyard on their home property.

Harry is a retired Money Manager who says he finds great joy in working outdoors and watching over the vineyard. "It's been the perfect retirement hobby, which now because of Matt, has become something more! It's a fun process and we enjoy doing it together."

Lee Ann McKinney, Harvest Hand & Estate Beekeeper

Since Lee Ann's 25 year career as a Nurse Practicioner she has become heavily involved in the Vanishing of the Bees Movement. Her love of nature and desire to keep the local ecosystem in balance has led her to begin caring for multiple bee hives on the property.

During harvest time, Lee Ann enjoys helping harvest the grapes and in the off season she labels herself as a 'Professional Weed Puller'! She counsels her husband and son on all organic practices within the vineyard and property as a whole.

“Wine to me is passion. It’s family and friends. It’s warmth of heart and generosity of spirit. Wine is art. It’s culture. It is the essence of civilization and the art of living.”